by K L Humphreys

Created on: April 06, 2009

Children are underage people who do not understand what is moral and what is not. They don't really understand that consequences always come after any decision, and that's where a parent's role comes in.

My kids knew as long as they lived in our home they were accountable even after they were adults. It's called respect and reasonable.

Parents who do not make their children accountable are allowing them to treat others the same way and it's not acceptable.

When these "children" leave school and enter the work force they will have a reality shock if they have not been led in moral behavior. I don't want my daughter marrying someone's son who has been allowed to run amuck all his life and not have rules and standards.

If you're child is rolling around in the floor now add 20 years and they will be acting the same only older. Do you allow your child to lie and take things that don't belong to them?

Parents have a huge responsibility to train their child in a way that will encourage them to be a positive in society. I don't want to have your child ringing my doorbell trying to sell cookies if they are going to be rude, but then I reckon the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

If I believe it's wrong to lie, cheat, steal and cause others pain, shouldn't I teach those same principles to my children? Of course I will and hopefully they will continue the tradition and train my grandchildren.

I know there are many areas where parents are not sure what do to do when a child finds themselves in a real dilemma, and there are some times where our wonderful government will not allow parents to know when their children are in trouble.

I wonder why the police will call or come knocking at 4am to tell you they are in jail or injured, but when your daughter has been raped it's a big secret due to personal rights! Either as a parent I am in charge and responsible or I am not.

I can make moral judgements all day long for my child while they are small and within my control, but after they learn to drive and start becoming independent then all those judgements could fly out the window.

In the end a parent can only do what they know to do. We depend on what our parents taught us whether good or bad, and we what might learn from other parents. Babies do not come with a video and a little booklet about how to raise this particular person.

One example of how children grow up and think they know better than their parents.

My oldest daughter had a daughter and chose to breast feed and that's great, but that's all the nourishment she gave this baby. No matter what I said my daughter thought the doctor knew best.

Finally after days, weeks and months of sleepless nights and numerous ways to help this baby sleep, she listened to her mother.

Now you might say that all the teaching and training in any area failed to work and why does it matter how we raise our children. I say to you that we all have make choices and we all make mistakes, that's how we learn, but having a moral standard always comes in handy.

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